By Jeremy Carew-Reid
Director General
International Centre for Environmental Management (ICEM)

 

As cities across Southeast Asia grow taller, denser, and more connected, a quieter, equally vital transformation is taking place—one that puts biodiversity at the heart of urban planning.

On International Biodiversity Day this May 22, we need to look beyond the concrete and steel to focus on the diversity of life thriving—often unnoticed—within our cities. Biodiversity, the rich variety of plants, animals, and microorganisms that share our urban spaces, is not just a side benefit of green space. It is a foundation of urban health, resilience, and quality of life.

Across the Asia-Pacific, urban populations are booming. Southeast Asia bracing for an influx of alone is expected to see an additional 100 million new city residents by 2030. Yet, as our cities expand, natural habitats shrink. A 2022 study by t he ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity found that urbanization in the region has led to a 35% decline in green cover in major metropolitan areas over the past two decades. This environmental loss directly undermines the well-being of urban communities.

Urban development must strategically embrace Restoring and expanding biodiversity restoration and expansion for clear and practical gains. This approach delivers essential benefits: cleaner air and water, natural temperatures regulation, reduce flood and drought vulnerability through better water management, accessible recreation and education, increase tourism revenue, and vital population support for urban food supplies.

Smart urban forestry offers a tangible solution to rising temperatures, capable of reducing local heat by 2 to 8°C—critical in Southeast Asia, where extreme heat in cities is becoming a seasonal norm (Figure 1). Moreover, as demonstrated in Singapore and elsewhere, biodiverse green spaces are not just environmental amenities; they are vital for the mental health and social fabric of urban communities, especially those most vulnerable. 

Fortunately, in Southeast Asia, there are many inspiring examples of strategies that work—from green roofs and vertical gardens to wildlife corridors and community-led habitat restoration. Consider the following examples…

In Bangkok, the creation of “green lungs” like Bang Kachao has demonstrated how urban wetlands can cool the city, absorb floodwaters, and provide a sanctuary for 130 bird species.  

In Phnom Penh, the revitalizations of Royal Palace and Wat Botum parks have significantly enhanced urban livability. A 2018 survey identified these as the city’s favorite public spaces, with 31% of respondents citing the welcome shade along with the opportunities for community well-being and recreational activities. 

Vientiane has embraced ecosystem-based adaptation by restoring urban wetlands, especially in the That Luang Marsh area, and expanding green spaces, supported by the Green Climate Fund. This nature-based approach helps manage stormwater, reduces flood risks for nearly 3 million residents, and enhances urban biodiversity and recreation.

Hanoi has established pilot biodiversity corridors in some neighborhoods which are restoring ecological connectivity between fragmented green spaces. The city’s urban tree program and preservation of large parks like Bách Thảo and Thủ Lệ are important foundations. And community efforts—like urban gardening, school and university greening projects, and local cleanup campaigns—are breathing new life into neglected corners of the city. 

Projects like these are not luxuries—they are lifelines. 

Protecting biodiversity in our cities isn’t without its challenges. Habitat loss, pollution, and invasive species continue to pressure urban settlements. But with political will and public support, cities can reverse this trend. Initiatives like citizen science programs, school gardens, and nature-based tourism all build local ownership and awareness. Biodiversity is a shared inheritance, not solely the concern of specialists. As Southeast Asia urbanizes at rapid pace, our imperative is clear: to forge vibrant, inclusive urban landscapes that are intrinsically linked to the health and vitality of nature.

Biodiversity isn’t a constraint on urban development—it is essential for ecological sustainability, and for healthy and happy communities. This International Biodiversity Day, let’s celebrate our rapidly expanding urban areas as engines for bringing nature back. Our future depends on it.